Rescued from the Rainy Roadside

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 15. 02. 2024
  • Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine fully restores this 19th century antique chest of drawers that had been left by the side of the road in the rain. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com,, or write us at thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).
  • Jak na to + styl

Komentáře • 3,1K

  • @chrisnicholls6898
    @chrisnicholls6898 Před 3 měsíci +443

    I wonder - doesn’t everyone in Gorham, Maine know that if they leave a 19 Century chest of drawers out in the rain, Tom Johnson will make it whole again? Another wonderful video. Thank you!

    • @98Zai
      @98Zai Před 3 měsíci +47

      Legend has it that if you leave an old chair out in the rain on the night of a full moon, a sorcerer will come by and enchant it!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +41

      They must have figured that out by now!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +21

      Yes, so true!

    • @hellyeaOU812
      @hellyeaOU812 Před 2 měsíci +24

      can you imagine the person thst threw this out ? they are probably kicking themselves

    • @CarlaMWard-
      @CarlaMWard- Před 2 měsíci +9

      @@johnsonrestoration But what is the estimated value of the item ? G'day from Australia

  • @carriebtc
    @carriebtc Před 2 měsíci +272

    After 1,363 comments written before me, I don't expect mine to be read by you, but, I feel compelled to say, how honored I am to be a witness of the amazing work of a true artist of furniture making. Thank you so much for sharing the detailed process of your meticulous craft. The best for you always sir. Cheers

  • @Bobbyj438
    @Bobbyj438 Před 2 měsíci +173

    The fact that you kept it out of a landfill and saved a piece of history makes it invaluable.

  • @toddylu6869
    @toddylu6869 Před 2 měsíci +16

    I just have to comment that this has to be the luckiest piece of furniture on Earth. To be found wasting in rain and then picked up by Mr. Johnson, completely repaired and placed in a beautiful home. As a retired nurse...this is like being far away from home, needing an emergency surgery...luckily the best surgeon in the country is visiting his niece who admitted you. He finds you, fixes your issues and restores you to return home to loved ones. This was a great video!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +2

      Thanks! Yes, it is amazing. I hate to think of all the pieces that aren't saved in time

  • @lukafilm
    @lukafilm Před 3 měsíci +149

    Probably my favorite restoration to date! No client, just done out of pure love for furniture and craft. Perfection!

  • @rjcvintage1027
    @rjcvintage1027 Před 3 měsíci +85

    A customer was watching me fix veneer on a similar piece recently, and asked me who taught me to do it. I said, "Thomas Johnson, of course". I totally meant it, you influence a lot of my restorations and I am very grateful. Thanks Tom.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +12

      Wow, you are so welcome. I consider it high praise coming from a fellow tradesperson!

  • @PawsAndKeys
    @PawsAndKeys Před 7 dny +1

    Those shots where he shows the materials and supplies used: priceless. So many repairs will be enabled by Tom's educational efforts. Yes he himself will fix many great things, but the rest of us will fix 100's times more furniture via his methods.

  • @brittassss
    @brittassss Před 2 měsíci +23

    CZcams has so much ..... garbage, but Tom Johnson never disappoint. Insightful and quality every single time.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thank you! That's very nice!

    • @time4clocks
      @time4clocks Před 2 měsíci +2

      I heartily agree with that statement!!

    • @peter-pg5yc
      @peter-pg5yc Před 2 měsíci +2

      he is quiet soft spoken lets his work shine thru..and boy does it ever

  • @pamsheets632
    @pamsheets632 Před 3 měsíci +153

    Mr Johnson, it's amazing to watch you transform furniture! You're definitely the master! I'm so glad you rescued this chest! Beautiful, stunning job 😊❤

    • @jo-annegreen3173
      @jo-annegreen3173 Před 3 měsíci +4

      Ditto.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +4

      Thanks!

    • @HighPeakVideo
      @HighPeakVideo Před 3 měsíci +4

      I think it looks pretty amazing!

    • @cynthiakammann7368
      @cynthiakammann7368 Před 2 měsíci +2

      It's an amazing result, and you make it look so easy... Which only proves your level of expertise. Too much of this furniture is ending up in landfills.

  • @iakwia
    @iakwia Před 3 měsíci +104

    I swear, wood turning is a form of magic. Watching you turn those legs was amazing.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Wow, thank you! I love turning

    • @iakwia
      @iakwia Před 3 měsíci +1

      @@johnsonrestoration I've always wanted to try it. From watching and looking at the finished turns, it seems to take a gentle touch, an artist's eye, and a mathematician's precision. Then you have to duplicate all of that. I'm thinking that must be the hard part - the duplication.

    • @marykayryan7891
      @marykayryan7891 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Yes. You, Tom are an artist in so many ways, but your turnings are sure one of them.

    • @schoensangalli6972
      @schoensangalli6972 Před 25 dny

      Mesmerizing indeed.

  • @travelbugse2829
    @travelbugse2829 Před 2 měsíci +44

    My late father used to repair and renovate old grandfather clocks. He would staple a typewritten card at the back detailing his work, with some background, and the date. Why not do the same? In another 200 years the chest of drawers will be worth a fortune! Best wishes from London UK.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +11

      Thanks! Yes, I know I should. I don't have an explanation for why I haven't been doing that!

    • @tedtimmis8135
      @tedtimmis8135 Před 2 měsíci +4

      That’s a great idea!

    • @hj179
      @hj179 Před 2 měsíci +5

      My father used to make reproduction grandfather clocks from old ornate worn out pianos and new mechanisms.

    • @travelbugse2829
      @travelbugse2829 Před 2 měsíci

      @@hj179 We had a quote last year for the grandfather clocks my sister and I inherited. They are worth very little these days in the UK - a typical Victorian one is worth maybe £150 in London, or $190.😒

    • @caroleast9636
      @caroleast9636 Před 2 měsíci +3

      Definitely worthwhile A simple act like that is golden for a future historian. Let’s hope that this piece lives on in the custody of someone else who appreciates it.

  • @vermilionbaylodge
    @vermilionbaylodge Před měsícem +1

    The drawers have outlasted its maker and continues its journey into the future, thanks to Tom's intervention. Good work!

  • @goofe.washington953
    @goofe.washington953 Před 3 měsíci +27

    I know I’m not the only one who thinks this, but geezum this is so interesting and calming…almost zen.

    • @panos3051
      @panos3051 Před 3 měsíci +2

      Quite correct. And it's because master Tom has unlimited patience and, more importantly, the utmost respect for every piece of furniture he touches.

    • @goofe.washington953
      @goofe.washington953 Před 3 měsíci

      Good comment@@panos3051

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks! I try not to talk

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci

      Thank you! I do! I don't know why, thanks to my parents?

    • @buckywill9322
      @buckywill9322 Před 2 měsíci +3

      Was that a shop cat I saw? Just visiting or a temporary shelter from the cold?
      Another great video sharing your knowledge and skill. Very enjoyable!

  • @statewench2828
    @statewench2828 Před 3 měsíci +108

    Thomas you are too humble. You took a ragged thrown out piece of history and gave her a new life! Honestly, I love you for what you did. Those people that want to complain have no beauty in their own lives and go around making others miserable just so they have company.

    • @jerrygillette854
      @jerrygillette854 Před 3 měsíci +9

      Thomas, you did an absolutely amazing job on this chest of drawers. The veneer work on the drawer fronts turned out beautifully. Nice of you to save this piece from the trash heap.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +1

      So true! I like that! Thanks

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thanks!

    • @jimzucker
      @jimzucker Před 2 měsíci +2

      i like him because he is humble ;)

    • @aaronadams5953
      @aaronadams5953 Před 2 měsíci +1

      All I can say is that’s amazing. Please do more of these projects!

  • @panders55
    @panders55 Před 2 měsíci +13

    Just goes to show you, you can't have too many clamps. Beautiful Restoration Thomas.

  • @HeatherTempleton-xv5id

    The idea of a 200 year old dresser in the rain on the side of the road gives me chest pain! So glad the master made it right! Watching him hand turn those legs was awesome!!!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 18 dny

      Thank you! It’s amazing my friend found it, and texted me a photo, and grabbed it!

  • @bethcrane5780
    @bethcrane5780 Před 3 měsíci +48

    This lovely elderly lady has been on quite a journey. Beautiful restoration. Wouldn't the original craftsman who cut those dovetails, be justifiably proud of how they stood up to time, use and weather. It's been beautifully restored so following generations can appreciate craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing with us.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +6

      You're welcome! I always think about the people who built it

  • @jand7782
    @jand7782 Před 3 měsíci +25

    Only a master furniture restorer and historian could recognize the actual value of the hopeless pile of trash left by the side of the road and then bring it back to its former glory. Beauty from ashes. Nicely done.

  • @onebecaley
    @onebecaley Před 20 dny

    This is the BEST RESTORATION on CZcams!

  • @sherryrainey4866
    @sherryrainey4866 Před dnem

    Mr Johnson U are a blessing to so many people. Truly love Ur work.

  • @mrstandfast2212
    @mrstandfast2212 Před 3 měsíci +147

    Ruined? RUINED???!!! It's an inspiration.
    You've saved it from landfill, tidied it from the roadside, recycled it into a useable piece of furniture, employed traditional and modern methods of work, used traditional and modern materials, utilised products from small companies who are trying to stay alive in the face of corporate giants, gained the satisfaction of what you've achieved, and helped to instruct and inspire the rest of us. So, it's far from ruined.
    Oh, and thanks for not covering it with chalk paint.

    • @alangknowles
      @alangknowles Před 3 měsíci +11

      Well the book says they are rubbish, and the last owner thought it firewood.
      But now it's got a new lease of life. And some real quirks that will delight a future furniture historian.

    • @maggiesue4825
      @maggiesue4825 Před 3 měsíci +7

      Amen!!

    • @notfeedynotlazy
      @notfeedynotlazy Před 3 měsíci +5

      Yeah, no chalk paint. Everyone knows that the way to go with antiques is to lacquer them in white with Titan paints.

    • @eddygonzalez6018
      @eddygonzalez6018 Před 3 měsíci +3

      Some people are clueless as to the value of what they have. Others, simply don't care. Although usually is more the former.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +3

      Thank you! That is so beautifully said! I really appreciate it!

  • @michaelhenderson5683
    @michaelhenderson5683 Před 3 měsíci +44

    From roadside wreck to a thing of beauty. You worked your magic one again. 👏👏👍
    Antique furniture purists , eat your heart out😊

  • @alcord2540
    @alcord2540 Před měsícem +2

    As a small boy i watched my grandfather in his shed at weekends.He was a builder/carpenter by trade.His hobby was cabinet making and he was meticulous like you.All his tools were hand tools.No electric drills,no circular saw and various hand planes.He made some very good furniture and i have several pieces he made.I have worked in engineering until i retired an have good hand skills on metal plus multiple machine tool knowledge.I do make and repair wooden items but not on your or his level.Your demonstration brought back fond memories.Thankyou.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před měsícem

      You're so welcome! Thanks for sharing those memories. I'm so glad you have some of his pieces! Be sure to write the history of each piece and attach it

  • @carriesilvinaespinozavilla5177
    @carriesilvinaespinozavilla5177 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Im the academic department assistant fir the Cabinetry and Furniture Technology Dept. at Palomar College, Escondido Ca. Your fabulous videos should be used in classes. Furniture restoration is the foundation of knowledge.

  • @victoriavillegas5
    @victoriavillegas5 Před 3 měsíci +10

    Beautiful job Mr Johnson.

  • @knottyal2428
    @knottyal2428 Před 3 měsíci +50

    Once again, it's clamp city and Old Brown Glue time! This is a wonderful example of Thomas and his knowledge and skills in the resurrection of a roadside wreck.
    Yes sir, it looks pretty good!

    • @jamesthompson8133
      @jamesthompson8133 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Yep! When he says looks pretty good it’s game over!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +7

      Thanks! I want to make a video called "Clamp City"

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +3

      Oh yeah!

    • @knottyal2428
      @knottyal2428 Před 3 měsíci +3

      Thank you Thomas, for your remarks and craftsmanship.
      My wife says clamps are like handbags(purses), you can never have too many!

  • @frankpattisr2250
    @frankpattisr2250 Před 9 dny

    A work of "ART". Thanks for saving a piece of the past.

  • @msbjpenny
    @msbjpenny Před 2 měsíci

    You brought a badly damaged gem back to it's beautiful glory.

  • @bobpetti4841
    @bobpetti4841 Před 3 měsíci +39

    This was a wonderful project. I can't imagine how any solid wood furniture could be considered worthless these days. Bringing that old chest of drawers back to life - such a worthwhile way to spend your time. Thank you for sharing with us.

  • @derrickstorm6976
    @derrickstorm6976 Před 3 měsíci +40

    At the end of the day people buy antiques to brag about them to their rich friends, and people buy old beautiful pieces like this to enjoy and admire them. So kudos to you Tom for, "restoring" this one to it's golden days!

    • @johncraske
      @johncraske Před 3 měsíci +2

      derrickstorm6976 To be fair, rich people also buy antique furniture because they like them, even if they get the added bonus of showing off the pieces to their friends.
      I have always bought antique furniture - the majority from 1820 -1860. Why? I find the pieces attractive, they are made from solid wood, they have a history and - even more important - they tend to be far cheaper than their modern equivalent. Particularly if one buys at auctions.
      Plus, of course, if I decide to sell any item after a few years, there's every chance I will get my money back. Which is clearly not the case if I were to buy from an expensive shop selling contemporary furniture.

    • @michaelpage7691
      @michaelpage7691 Před 3 měsíci +1

      From the scrap heap to beautiful useful piece of chest of drawers. When are the young going to realise that chipboard furniture won’t last. Great job. 👏🇦🇺😁

    • @mm9773
      @mm9773 Před 3 měsíci

      This refers to the idea that furniture made after a certain era is essentially “worthless” for collectors (also depending on the condition, of course). The point here is not that younger pieces aren’t properly appreciated, the point is that you’re losing out very bigly when you put 50 hours of work into a piece that won’t sell for thousands of dollars. Is it still worth it? Of course - you spend a week rebuilding a wonderful piece, and you get to enjoy it for the rest of your life; it just wouldn’t be good business.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks! True! people love to tell their friends what something is "worth". Road Show's assesments make me crazy

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks! Yes, same here, most of our furniture is mid to late 19th century

  • @kenspears7159
    @kenspears7159 Před 14 dny

    Somewhere in Maine is an abandoned piece of furniture awaiting their hero to drive by and save them. Brilliant work as always sir!

  • @kevinbarrett9615
    @kevinbarrett9615 Před měsícem +4

    As someone who worked as a refinisher for 5 years in the 90’s, I can say you are a master of your craft, well done sir ! Bringing discarded pieces like this back to life must be very rewarding.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před měsícem

      Thanks! Only 5 years? I hope you are still doing some work on furniture!

    • @kevinbarrett9615
      @kevinbarrett9615 Před měsícem

      @@johnsonrestoration not really I’m a retired teacher, busy with some other pursuits but enjoy the videos.

  • @tombaker3794
    @tombaker3794 Před 3 měsíci +24

    Sir, you said you think it looks pretty good, I say it is fantastic. I make furniture as a hobby for family, and I've learned a huge amount of information on furniture construction, coloring & finishing from your videos. Your videos are exceptionally descriptive in the procedures used, the how's, and why's. Thank you for taking the time to provide these tutorials, you are a most generous man, as well as an expert in your field.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Thank you! That is so nice, I appreciate you watching and commenting. Good luck with all your projects!

  • @maggiesue4825
    @maggiesue4825 Před 3 měsíci +37

    Furniture snobs may turn up their noses if they wish, but this is a lovely piece of furniture that you have brought back to life!!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Yes! Thanks!

    • @meepenjaap7999
      @meepenjaap7999 Před 2 měsíci +1

      Not sure why you say this. I am a true furniture snob and purist of the highest order when it comes to restoring and refinishing furniture and his work is masterful.

    • @MrWolfSnack
      @MrWolfSnack Před měsícem

      I think the issue of value goes out the window once someone takes an antique piece, throws it to the curb for the garbage truck to crush it, and it sits in the rain for weeks, warping apart beyond all comprehension. By that point it would never hold any value again at all due to all the water damage and/or insects, so it's fair game to take "artists liberties" with it. @@meepenjaap7999

  • @chrisfrench8323
    @chrisfrench8323 Před 3 měsíci

    Tom, it may be crap to Nutting but I'd be honored to have it in my home, knowing it was restored by Thomas Johnson. Wonderful work, as always!

  • @speedracer2336
    @speedracer2336 Před 3 měsíci +7

    Tom never fails to impress, just keeps getting better!

  • @natsen04
    @natsen04 Před 3 měsíci +4

    You are a master! ❤

  • @shannon2003
    @shannon2003 Před 2 měsíci

    What a fortunate chest of drawers to have been lovingly repaired and restored by you.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thanks! I know, it's amazing to think about how it somehow ended up being saved

  • @mercedesaschenbrenner9352
    @mercedesaschenbrenner9352 Před měsícem

    Just to thank you for the respect you give to every piece of furniture. A great example to follow. I wish your restoration standards were everybody’s.

  • @user-ci3er3cp4l
    @user-ci3er3cp4l Před 3 měsíci +12

    Always looking forward to Friday and your Videos Mr. Johnson. You'd doing great work. Best wishes from Germany Alice

  • @eileennacsin4680
    @eileennacsin4680 Před 3 měsíci +38

    A true diamond in the rough that not many could see. Thank you Tom for having the knowledge, skills, and supplies to bring it back to life!

    • @judithburke1539
      @judithburke1539 Před 3 měsíci

      He really has a way of turning what some consider trash into treasure. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you 🥰👏☺️!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +1

      You're so welcome!

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +1

      You're welcome!

  • @dangerdoberman
    @dangerdoberman Před 2 měsíci +2

    Thank you for rescuing this poor furniture.

  • @1492chris
    @1492chris Před 2 měsíci +1

    As a fellow restorer of 50+ years I commend your workmanship. Makes me want to find something to restore, thanks for the motivation.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci

      Thank you! Coming from a fellow tradesperson I take that as high praise

  • @MOLLIMEDIA
    @MOLLIMEDIA Před 3 měsíci +6

    You can see the beauty in abandoned furniture. I love your patience and positive energy. :)

  • @jorisdemoel3821
    @jorisdemoel3821 Před 3 měsíci +5

    A nice indepth look at a master craftsman's solution to so many problems, and a worthy and utilitarian piece repaired and put back into use.

  • @pitsnipe5559
    @pitsnipe5559 Před 2 měsíci

    When it cones to repairing antique furniture, Thomas Johnson, YOU DA MAN!

  • @ARCevents
    @ARCevents Před 16 dny

    Your patience and care in restoring this piece of furniture, which was otherwise destined for the tip, was so inspiring to watch! Thank you for sharing the process.

  • @Wisconsinite
    @Wisconsinite Před 3 měsíci +10

    While my husband was employed by the county highway department, he would find furniture “in the ditch” so to speak. Wisconsin is a newer state than Maine so our ditch treasures aren’t as old as what you get. Nor are they in as good of shape. He manages to see past the broken parts, the horrible finishes to see the potential finished piece. I refurbish/refinish them. Watching you work, I was happy to learn that most of what I do follows your techniques. Our home is furnished with “old attic”, “early rummage”, “dumpster”, and “ditch”. Old furniture is much sturdier than most of what you find new. My maternal great grandmother’s kitchen table, and my paternal grandmother’s chairs are back in use today. I look forward to each of your videos to see what treasure you will bring back to life.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci

      That's great! Our house is furnished much the same way! I'm glad that there are some workers who see the value and save these pieces

  • @federicoprice2687
    @federicoprice2687 Před 3 měsíci +11

    Another stunning restoration and conservation, but above all, a salvation!! It's heartwarming to see how you've resurrected a piece of history from certain destruction, and given it life again. Not only have you saved an item of interest, heritage and charm, but sensitively and meticulously respected the original joinery and materials. About 200 years ago it was a basic but essential piece of decent home furniture, and served it's purpose since then. Thomas, you've given it another lease of life and as a result of your skills and the modern conservation materials you've used, it will no doubt last even longer again. It has evolved from utilitarian to unwanted and now, under your craftsmanship, back to being a charming item that will no doubt be cherished, respected and much loved. Another wonderful job, another informative and educational account, another piece of our heritage saved from the scrapheap. Thank you Thomas, and bravo! Warmest greetings from UK. 👏 😊 🤗

  • @pdbowman
    @pdbowman Před 2 měsíci +1

    Favorite part of this one is probably the fine dry delivery Tom gives that ‘hard data on the most recent transaction’ line he’s saved for the close.
    Keep ’em coming, Tom!

  • @laurelkirkham117
    @laurelkirkham117 Před 2 měsíci +17

    WOW, WOW, WOW!!! All I can say is you are a master craftsman! To any naysayers that have heartburn over refinishing this antique, this baby was headed to the dump. This was an absolute rescue of epic proportions. Well done sir!

  • @marthapuccio5885
    @marthapuccio5885 Před 3 měsíci +16

    Thank you for making these videos. I thoroughly enjoy watching them.

  • @dajohnnyboy
    @dajohnnyboy Před 3 měsíci +18

    Destined for landfill and brought back to life with sensitivity and understanding. Shows why you are a master of your art. Outstanding.

  • @juliewholohan2850
    @juliewholohan2850 Před 20 dny

    Everything old is new again…love your work.👏👏👏👏👏🇦🇺

  • @SisterShirley
    @SisterShirley Před 2 měsíci

    He who has the most clamps wins!
    Cheers to Thomas!

  • @Jeff-uy8xg
    @Jeff-uy8xg Před 3 měsíci +9

    Pure artistry Tom, outstanding!!!!....Thank goodness some furniture-flipping chick with a Graco spray gun did not pick up this piece, drown it in wood filler, and paint it the obligatory sage green LOL.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +5

      That made me laugh! Thanks! But I've watched some of these "chicks" do a damn fine job on what is used furniture, saving those pieces from a landfill

  • @southernrrman
    @southernrrman Před 3 měsíci +5

    Not only are you a great restorer, you shoot an excellent video. Camera, lighting, editing, and easy listening without and-uh and all the fillers. A true master.

  • @vickiwood9192
    @vickiwood9192 Před 2 měsíci +4

    Mr. Thomas, you not only teach furniture restoration techniques, but you also teach the history of furniture making and design. You are a valuable asset to anyone interested in these things. Thank you.

  • @robertjpayne
    @robertjpayne Před 2 dny

    Astonishing rescue!. And what a privilege to see a craftsman at work. I loved this.

  • @dougrobison1156
    @dougrobison1156 Před 3 měsíci +11

    Well Thomas, that was yet another masterful bit of work! In my 20s (now 69) I saw the leg of an upside down wooden table in the dumpster of my sister apartment. I pulled out a small three legged tilt top table of walnut with a veneered top. One leg was missing and the veneer was lifted. I made a new leg, glued down the veneer and sprayed it with NC lacquer. I still have it today! As a project it was maybe 1 or 2 percent of your chest of drawers project here, but it did get pulled out of a dumpster for gosh sakes! Since then I have rescued many pieces as an amateur. I remain in awe of your talent and the fine fine work you do! All my best, Doug

  • @barbkrienke8400
    @barbkrienke8400 Před 3 měsíci +8

    I’m so happy that this chest found a person with the skills to make it beautiful again!!! If I had seen that on the side of the road, I would have thought it was hopeless!!

  • @sherriheavner1842
    @sherriheavner1842 Před 2 hodinami

    You can tell it is a nice piece

  • @cellgrrl
    @cellgrrl Před 2 měsíci

    Thomas this piece went from what was thought to be trash to priceless. It is just beautiful.

  • @yolandaneely6431
    @yolandaneely6431 Před 3 měsíci +15

    Dear Mr. Johnson, only a master can do what you do! Your find was a treasure!
    Greetings from California.

  • @maurawhelan3530
    @maurawhelan3530 Před 3 měsíci +12

    It does my heart good to see beautiful wood furn, esp an antique, saved from the trash. Ppl just don’t appreciate quality and craftsmanship so much anymore. Thank you for restoring this treasure! Have a lovely weekend greetings from so Fl.

  • @user-ns8pp3jt2p
    @user-ns8pp3jt2p Před měsícem +1

    Anyone who thinks that you have ruined the value of an antique isn’t worth listening to. You rescued a piece that was destined for the junk heap and did it in a fashion that is respectful of its history and preserved a lot of the patina of its age. The repair of the veneered drawer fronts is amazing.

  • @dionetaylor931
    @dionetaylor931 Před 17 dny

    Thomas you are the epitome of Mindfulness as you treat everything with purpose and respect. A great educational video, thank you for saving and repairing this beautiful piece

  • @jandavis1523
    @jandavis1523 Před 3 měsíci +10

    Tom, the best restorations are of pieces found alongside a road. You have given this a new life as a treasured dresser that can be used for decades to come! Really enjoyed this, and your little tortoiseshell kitty is quite beautiful! 😊

  • @patboudotlamot
    @patboudotlamot Před 3 měsíci +3

    splendide ¡ pfiouuu magnifique travail ; monsieur Thomas Johnson élève l'artisanat en grand ART ¡ respect monsieur ¡ et vous nous donnez, de surcroit, toujours des leçons d'histoire passionnantes

  • @valerielambert7922
    @valerielambert7922 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Loving the detective work and the furniture history

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thanks! Me too - I'm always learning something

    • @valerielambert7922
      @valerielambert7922 Před měsícem

      I learn a lot from your channel and it is always a pleasure@@johnsonrestoration

  • @helend6774
    @helend6774 Před 3 měsíci +1

    So I watch videos where people paint wood furniture for a quick sale and that's fine. Then I watch these videos and I think, and I'm awe struck at what can be accomplished when you know exactly what you are doing. And have a great workshop. And have all the tools. I mean, wood turning is just so very cool.

  • @stevenkohl258
    @stevenkohl258 Před 3 měsíci +5

    Sir you are a magician. I have learned so much from watching you. Who cares about value when you are saving a fine piece from the side of the road. Outstanding work

  • @AceFox40k
    @AceFox40k Před 2 měsíci +1

    I never get tired of seeing these old gals get another chance to shine.

  •  Před 3 měsíci +3

    Incredible The real Beauty is that your Art saved a piece of history ✨

  • @aza-jm8el
    @aza-jm8el Před měsícem

    I think, after all, the real value of a piece of furniture is that it can be used as furniture - that's what it was once made for. And if it is an old furniture which had been treated with respect and tact - even better.
    The longer it can be used for what it was made for - the higher its value will be at its life's end.
    When it once will be 'burried', it will set free the breath of the trees it was made of, the skills of its origin makers, the secret of every treasure that was stored in, and last but not least your loving treatment.......and all that will be priceless.

  • @charlesdowrick2075
    @charlesdowrick2075 Před 2 měsíci +7

    As a retired cabinet maker,I can say,you did a fantastic job.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thank you! That means a lot to me, from a fellow tradesperson

  • @ricjamil3073
    @ricjamil3073 Před 3 měsíci +5

    I think you did an amazing job in giving this piece a second chance to adorn someone's home. Great job!

  • @silkebower1977
    @silkebower1977 Před 3 měsíci +5

    You are the best that could have happened to that piece of furniture. You rescued it and I don't understand how somebody could have thrown this out in the first place. Those feet are amazing. I don't care whether it has any value, it looks great. This is far better than modern mass produced furniture.

  • @redrufus444
    @redrufus444 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Great Restoration.!! Brought the piece back from the trash pile and in use again..!! Bravo..!!

  • @InformationIsTheEdge
    @InformationIsTheEdge Před 2 měsíci

    How anyone can look at the work you did on that chest of drawers and call it "ruined" is beyond me. The piece is beautiful again, usable again and good for another hundred years. Very impressive work.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thank you! That remark was aimed at the appraisers on Roadshow

    • @InformationIsTheEdge
      @InformationIsTheEdge Před 2 měsíci

      @@johnsonrestoration Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! 😂 Nice! I think even they would have to admit that your work added much more value than any tinkering with the old finish subtracted.

  • @thierrytalon8600
    @thierrytalon8600 Před 3 měsíci +3

    Quite impressive, including the metric where needed!

  • @melissataylor5494
    @melissataylor5494 Před 3 měsíci +4

    Thomas- this a wonderful restoration of this chest of drawers. I learn so much watching your videos. Thank you. You saved a bit of American history.❤

  • @bobmarrier4374
    @bobmarrier4374 Před 2 měsíci +2

    I've Rescued a few antique pieces over the past 50 Years, every time I dust or Polish one of them, I can hear It whisper. Thank you. Imagine what this piece is saying to this guy.

  • @SuperZmeister
    @SuperZmeister Před 2 měsíci

    As a fellow ‘restorer’, I can appreciate the time it takes to produce a faithful rendition of original work. What many may not observe was the movement the sun light made during your process. To me, this is a clear indication of the time required to duplicate the cuts and finish to wind up with an acceptable example. I commend you sir on the beautiful and patient work you consistently turn out for you audience.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci

      Thanks! It means a lot to me coming from another tradesperson

  • @skirtedgalleons
    @skirtedgalleons Před 3 měsíci +4

    My favorite video from you ever because I love how you took this out of the garbage and refinished it into something stunning. I feel your quiet pride in this one.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Thanks! I am proud of it. I had no idea it would look so good!

  • @markbuten1728
    @markbuten1728 Před 3 měsíci +6

    Absolutely amazing. My favorite furniture has always been from the 1830s and 40s. Late Sheraton early empire or in Europe Biedermeier. It’s so wonderful to see you work and repair this piece. I wish I was 40 years younger and could be apprentice. Thanks for another great video.

  • @dalecampbell8141
    @dalecampbell8141 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Wow Tom, I thought even you couldn’t make this beautiful. Once again I was wrong. Wonderful job. I keep telling other furniture restorers to watch you and learn what they should be doing.

  • @pmichael73
    @pmichael73 Před 3 měsíci

    A joy to watch the master bring a nice old piece back to life!

  • @robinredman5192
    @robinredman5192 Před 3 měsíci +3

    Thomas, I learn something new each time I watch you. I now know that your a "leg man" 😁. Wow, what an incredible transformation. I can only imagine if you went by the house where you found it and asked, "Did you throw this away", as their eyes got very big and their mouths dropped. Thank you for all your excellent hard work. John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.

    • @dlevi67
      @dlevi67 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Mind you - there was a lot of work to do, and Tom's expertise and experience are also worth a lot. I couldn't do what Tom did (can't turn to save my life), and the parts I could do would take me twice as long or more.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci +3

      Thanks John! I've been fantasizing about someone watching, here in Maine and going "Hey! That's my chest of drawers! It fell out of the truck when I was moving!"

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 3 měsíci

      I bet you could if the pressure was on!

    • @dlevi67
      @dlevi67 Před 3 měsíci

      @@johnsonrestoration Having a lathe would help... ;-)

  • @allisonwoods6161
    @allisonwoods6161 Před 3 měsíci +6

    Wow, wow. I wonder if the people who dumped this piece could see it now, would they have regretted their actions. Its a beautiful piece brought back to life by a man who just gently and methodically works his way through the entire piece showing respect and love for what he does. A truly beautiful piece in all its glory. Thank you 😊

    • @annt5410
      @annt5410 Před 2 měsíci

      They would probably try to claim it again.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thank you Allison! That's my fantasy that somehow the people that threw it away will see the video "Hey! Wait a minute!"

  • @Kirstalyn272
    @Kirstalyn272 Před 16 dny

    You worked a miracle on this chest of drawers! You did a beautiful restoration! Thank you

  • @billmcrae1424
    @billmcrae1424 Před 24 dny

    Restored to be used again--that is its true value. That and the memories of the hundreds of decisions, some big and some small, that made the work joyful.

  • @katherineschelp520
    @katherineschelp520 Před 3 měsíci +3

    I am grateful that I found your vlog. I have an antique trundle table that I got from my sister who inherited it from our aunt. Her husband left it outside covered with a tarp for several years. The veneer on the top is completely gone and the top had started to curl. Now I have the confidence to try to repair the damage. Thank you.

  • @davidc3808
    @davidc3808 Před 3 měsíci +6

    Well done Tom. Whatever anyone says in a negative way about this restoration, you have actually brought back to life a piece that was on the way to the graveyard. Thanks for sharing you knowledge in this enjoyable video.

  • @meepenjaap7999
    @meepenjaap7999 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Now that was a piece worthy of restoration and you did a great job. I think I can say from all of us that we'd all like to see more of your Tortie assistant!

  • @user-yo1pk4ky4k
    @user-yo1pk4ky4k Před 2 měsíci +4

    I like how you made it look just like it would had it been "lived with" normally rather than set out on the roadside. It still belongs to its era.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci

      Yes! Thanks! I always try to do that

    • @user-yo1pk4ky4k
      @user-yo1pk4ky4k Před 2 měsíci +1

      It's such a crime to see vehicles, houses, furniture, etc. "updated, modded, modernized." Their essential nature is lost and they look pimped out! This video is a classic in respecting the original nature of something.@@johnsonrestoration

  • @sgwsteve1665
    @sgwsteve1665 Před 3 měsíci +4

    The work you do is simply amazing. Thanks for sharing

  • @stephenboots
    @stephenboots Před 3 měsíci +4

    "I think it looks pretty good." I love that understatement at each reveal in your videos, Tom. I don't think I've ever seen a transformation where the piece didn't look superb after your restoration magic! This chest is no exception -- it's a treasure now!

  • @2008enzed
    @2008enzed Před 4 dny

    Another excellent video, Thomas. Thank you for creating this video library for all to access and thereby helping to preserve the craft.

  • @marstondavis
    @marstondavis Před 2 měsíci +2

    At long last, a man that calls it a 'Chest-of-Drawers' and not a 'Chester Drawers'. My mother would be proud of you. Great work. I like a man that does good work for the sake of the work alone. It looks like a million to me.

    • @johnsonrestoration
      @johnsonrestoration  Před 2 měsíci

      Thank you! 😊 Someone commented "Chester Drawers", I had not heard that before. I like it!